Ranking the Films of Edgar Wright

Edgar Wright has a career that proves just how much fun he has as a filmmaker. Getting his introduction to audiences on television with Spaced (one of the most underrated shows of the past 30 years), he put forth a style and sensibility that seamlessly then translated to cinemas. Even as the movies have veered away from his satirical comedy roots, you can always see Wright within them. The films just feel like his, by and large. A few years ago, I spoke to Wright here about his documentary The Sparks Brothers. Today, with The Running Man about to hit theaters, it feels like a good time to look at his career to date.

In my review of The Running Man here, I spoke of Wright like so:

Filmmaker Edgar Wright directs the movie, which he co-wrote with Michael Bacall, with glee. It’s not the style of his Cornetto Trilogy, to be sure, but outside of Scott Pilgrim vs the World, this is the first studio film he’s done that feels like his own. Now, the most Wright’s style feels intact is before the final bits of the flick, but this is a definite good match for his sensibilities. Wright’s direction is very solid and keeps things pretty well paced, complete with some real strong images from cinematographer Chung-hoon Chung, as well as an arresting score from composer Steven Price. Plus, hitching his wagon to a star like Glen Powell sure pays off. Bacall and Wright lean into the timeliness of the satire, especially early on, though the third act is wobblier, with a weak ending/final section. It’s not enough to derail things, but the good times do somewhat slow down before you’d like them to.

Below, you can see how Wright’s movies stack up for me. Aside from his first film, A Fistful of Fingers from back in 1995, everything is included here. I don’t have too original a take, considering I have his Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End), as well as Scott Pilgrim vs the World, as his best work. Aside from Last Night in Soho, I’ve liked everything that Wright has done so far, which is always a plus. Where does The Running Man debut on the list? Find out next…

Here now is my ranking of the films of Edgar Wright. Behold:

8. Last Night in Soho

7. The Sparks Brothers

6. The Running Man

5. Baby Driver

4. The World’s End

3. Hot Fuzz

2. Scott Pilgrim vs the World

1. Shaun of the Dead

What are your favorite films from Edgar Wright? Let us know!